"Oh? It seems we aren't the last to arrive."
A voice full of curiosity rang out as a woman slowly emerged from the bushes.
Her long legs were exposed to the crowd, her white skin appearing soft and delicate. Looking up, one could see a pair of trembling "hills" that looked as if they might jump out at any moment. Along the edge of the exposed curves, a scorpion tattoo was visible, making people wonder where the tail might lead.
The woman was named Karen, and she was the leader of one of the three poaching groups gathered here. Her exquisite face, paired with her revealing clothing, made her overflow with allure. However, her ability to lead so many Pokémon hunters as a woman spoke volumes about her strength. Both of her trump cards, Victreebel and Vileplume, possessed Leader Rank strength.
In front of Karen stood Junshan and his Rockbreak Poaching Group, who had summoned everyone. In the world of Pokémon hunters, poaching groups were rarely named, or were simply named after their leaders. Junshan had chosen this name because every member of his group possessed Rock-type or Ground-type Pokémon.
When a large number of Pokémon share the same attribute, the power they generate when releasing the same move is undeniably terrifying. Furthermore, many of these Pokémon mastered moves like Self-Destruct or Explosion, adding a layer of ferocity to the Rockbreak Poaching Group. Junshan's strongest visible Pokémon were his Leader Rank Onix and Golem, though it remained unknown if he was hiding his true strength.
To Karen's left was the leader of the third poaching group, Theo, whose strongest Pokémon were Poliwrath and Hitmonchan.
"Fidel hasn't arrived yet, and I can't contact him," Junshan said slowly. Much like the Pokémon attributes he favored, his voice gave off a steady, composed feeling. "I've already sent people to investigate. If you two feel it isn't safe, you are free to leave."
"When will the Altaria give birth?" Karen asked in response, her eyes fixed on Junshan. Hearing this, Theo also turned his attention toward him.
"Tomorrow at the latest."
"Do you think the strength of our three groups is enough to take down that Altaria?"
"There is a seventy percent chance. If Fidel could have made it, it would be a near-certainty."
"Let's move directly. Otherwise, if we keep waiting, who knows if the next to arrive will be Fidel or the League's Forest Rangers," Karen decided.
"Fine!"
The two reached a decision through a quick exchange of words. Although Theo had remained silent, his attitude made it clear he was on the same side as Karen. After all, no one was a fool; they all knew that since Junshan had offered this "cake," he must be confident in his share of the profits. To avoid being tricked, a temporary alliance was necessary. At the same time, such an alliance was extremely fragile and would shatter at the first sign of a real test.
With the decision made, the three called upon their poaching groups to move toward the heart of the forest. This forest was rarely visited by trainers; now, under the sweep of the three poaching groups, any trainers present were either driven away or dealt with.
As the masters of this area, the Intermediate and Senior Rank Pokémon didn't dare block their path. They only encountered slight trouble when crossing the territory of Ace Rank Pokémon, but it was minimal. With Junshan, Karen, and Theo leading the way, these Ace Rank Pokémon were no match for them.
"Everyone, be careful from here on. It seems the Leader Rank Pokémon have gathered under Altaria's call, so a tough battle awaits us."
"I hope that before we divide the final spoils, we can all work together. Otherwise, even if this operation fails, my Rockbreak Poaching Group will make sure those who break the alliance pay the price!"
Upon entering the territory of the Leader Rank Pokémon and finding them gone, Junshan warned and cautioned the others.
"Don't worry, I'm not that short-sighted," Karen replied with a smile. Theo also nodded, indicating he felt the same way.
"Good! Move out!"
At Junshan's command, the three groups advanced together. To prevent being ambushed by Pokémon in the dense brush, Junshan and the others chose to have their Pokémon clear a path, moving forward steadily.
Realizing they could no longer remain hidden, a Leader Rank Pidgeot was the first to reveal itself, followed by a Fearow of equal strength. Storms gathered and swept toward the crowd. Several figures rushed out of the forest: Scyther, Ursaring, Nidoking, Electabuzz, and Pinsir. More importantly, these Pokémon were followed by their clansmen. Although their numbers weren't vast, they all possessed Senior Rank strength.
At that moment, a special ripple spread through the surroundings; the Altaria was beginning to give birth.
"Attack together!"
"Any Pokémon you defeat, you are free to capture! We will split the final spoils equally!"
As soon as Junshan finished speaking, he led the Rockbreak Poaching Group into action. Countless rocks fell like a collapsing mountain, not only blocking the charging Pokémon but also splitting them apart.
The hunters behind Karen took the opportunity to strike the divided Pokémon. Theo was responsible for defense, not only blocking the aerial attacks but also holding back the ground assault. Compared to humans, wild Pokémon can learn to cooperate, but they lack precise coordination, preventing them from fully utilizing their advantages.
For instance, upon seeing their offensive blocked, the Leader Rank Pokémon at the front trusted their own strength more and charged directly at Junshan and his allies.
"Leave Scyther, Pinsir, and Electabuzz to me!" Junshan commanded.
Onix and Golem rushed out together, followed by the other Pokémon of the poaching group. The remaining two Pokémon were taken by Karen, while Theo was responsible for fending off the Pidgeot and Fearow in the sky.
As Junshan and the others engaged in the fierce battle, they had no idea that Gu Yuan had already quietly snuck up beside them, watching their every move.
It had to be said that the strength of these poaching groups was quite formidable. If Gu Yuan were to launch a reckless frontal assault, he might win, but he wouldn't be able to wipe them out completely. Now, with the help of these wild Pokémon, he was confident he could leave them all here—but now was not the time to strike.